Yellow-faced ParrotletForpus xanthops

The Yellow-faced is endemic to the upper Maranon Valley in central Peru. This valley cuts a deep gorge longitudinally through the center of the central Andes and due to the large eastern cordillera, very little moisture reaches it, resulting in what is termed a rain-shadow valley. It is the most restricted of any member of its genus and occurs in small inconspicuous flocks in cactus-scrub montane desert, dry deciduous scrub and riparian thickets which feed on the fruits or seeds of leguminous trees, cactuses and flowers. It is also the most distinctive member of this predominantly green-bodied genus with, as per its common name, a striking yellow face bordered with pale blue.

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